Washington must focus on 2013 spending cuts

Washington continues to spend, spend and spend. In our own households when we incur debt, the first step is a budget with spending cuts, not increasing spending and debt.

The country is headed in the direction of Greece's economy. It is selfish and short-sighted to pass on all this spending and debt to our children and grandchildren.

How much more debt can this country incur before another downgrade? We now have an increase of $41 of spending for $1 of revenue. With an increase of taxes on the top 1 percent, increased taxation on interest and dividends and increased payroll taxes, there is less for consumers to spur the economy. Also, there are the various taxes related to Obamacare.

Where are the jobs being created? There are 23 million Americans without jobs.

Government needs to look at itself first. Where is the budget? Are there unused buildings that can be sold, are there duplications of services, and can some departments be consolidated? Why not privatize functions of the government that are losing money? The bigger government becomes, the harder it is to keep it accountable in all areas. The next big areas of spending are the entitlements. Many in the private sector will not receive raises in 2013 and feel lucky if they can hang on to their jobs. If one is lucky enough for a raise, the payroll tax increase for Social Security will negate any raises.